Growing boredom
Sukharaj KC, 27, chef
Economically, I have not faced many problems as I am still getting half my salary. The main problem is mental. Negative thoughts constantly disturb my mind. Sometimes, I get very anxious. I am in the hospitality industry, and am unsure when it will resume. As I am someone who loves to hang out, growing boredom is a big concern.
Feeling cooped up
Sudip Shrestha, 25, karate trainer
Even though I have no problem procuring essential stuff, I am having great difficulty with my training. I have to teach and learn moves virtually, at the same time. In addition to karate, I teach Shotokan too. The space in my house is small, and I can’t move around much to be able to execute all my moves properly. And it is of no wonder that the internet connection is problematic.
Lonely and broke
Sachin Acharya, 22, teacher
As I am a teacher, I used to be surrounded by students nearly all the time. Now, to be confined inside a home all the time has made me rather lonely. I have supported my family with whatever I earn. But because of the lockdown I could not get my salary on time. Nor is farming easy, which I am thinking of as a possible alternative.
Hard to make children understand
Laxmi Subedi, 56, social worker
I run an orphanage. Lockdown has disturbed our lives, not in one but many ways. I fear about my children. The lockdown has hampered their studies and they have become addicted to gadgets. The unavailability of healthy and nutritious diet for them is another problem. I find it difficult to make them understand the situation and to keep them calm.
Wasting precious time
Sushmita Shiwakoti, 23, student
For a student, nothing matters more than their studies and career. The shutting down of my college due to the lockdown causes me great distress. I realize that I am wasting my previous study time. I also miss my friends.
Job only half-done
Kapil Dev Bhatta, 31, insurance company employee
Though the office has been closed for long, I do not face great economic hardship. I had saved some money. What I miss is not meeting my friends. The difficulty of getting daily essentials is another headache. Important office jobs are pending, even though we are working from home. We haven’t been able to provide full service to our clients, and that upsets me every day.
Stuck in wrong country
Bandana Magar, 25, nail technician
It has been four months since I came to Nepal from the US. Now, the lockdown has delayed my return. I am feeling stressed because if the delay stretches for over six months, re-entry will be difficult. I have been supporting my family economically, but now that is not possible as I am stuck here. I am worried my dreams may be dashed.
Far too much screen-time
Dipesh Dhakal, 20, IT student
Attending online classes has been hard during the lockdown. Feedbacks were limited, so I am unsure whether I learned properly. Being continuously on to the laptop has brought headaches and eyestrain. Moreover, I miss the classroom atmosphere.
